My Trip to Z MECCA

[EVILC]

Last week I went to Florida for a week or so and gave Jim, owner of all the cars below a call to stop by and check out his garage. If you are ever in the Tampa area or within driving distance I would say it is worth the trip. Jim is a stand up guy and knows his Z stuff. Enough of me, time for some pics:

The man himself outside the garage:

Bone dry 1/70 car waiting its turn:

1970 FairLady:

HLS30-00058:

Floors!

[EVILC]

HLS30-00016:

Vintage Z and HLS30-00042

Very clean Z - Burt Diamond if anyone knows who he is :flamedevi

Me with Burt's old flame:

Thinking about making an offer, it needs to come back to NY:

69 car too but forgot the vin, I do like this one:

[EVILC]

Work bench:

Walls:

Left side of garage:

I forgot to take pics of car #19 and his turbo roadstr. Had a great time and will make a trip down again soon....maybe next years x-mas party!

[gogriz91]

All I can say is WOW!

[dcompson]

I know i am new around here, but who is this famous guy? And whats the story with his great garage?

[=Enigma=]

All I can say is WOW!

When I first read this thread last night that was the only thing that came to mind for me as well. WOW!

[7T1240]

Hi Clive - and thanks for sharing the photos from your trip.

As true devotee's of the Z, aren't we all supposed to make a pilgrimage to Z Mecca once in a lifetime? Clive, you've fulfilled your duty - congrats!

Gary S.

[deadflo]

Love the Blue on Blue one!

Sweet!

Is this the fellow who has several other special Z's, including a green with tan interior that once belonged to Paul Newman?

[deadflo]

Love the Blue on Blue one!

Sweet!

Is this the fellow who has several other special Z's, including a green one that once belonged to Paul Newman? I think it may be the one you have pictured here...

Edited December 2, 2009 by deadflo

[TomoHawk]

That's definitely not the same guy ( a Z car "restoration specialist") in Tampa from whom I got my car.

Edited December 2, 2009 by TomoHawk

[NZX]

those are amazing

does he have an sn on here?

if not he needs one

[26th-Z]

those are amazing

does he have an sn on here?

if not he needs one

He does have a sn, however; "...but you know I don't have the free time to spend on this site."

He calls himself an "early vin & restoration advisor", not a specialist. He is not in the business of restoring cars. He is an insurance salesman. Although he is quite capable of restoring a Z to a very nice standard, the VAST majority of those cars were purchased that way, not restored by him. He has no proof that any of his cars were once owned by Paul Newman. Yes, it is an amazing collection.

Just a few facts. Nice post and pictures, Clive!